The Gauntlet: Book Two in the Zombie Uprising Series by M.A. Robbins

Author:M.A. Robbins [Robbins, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cottage Street Press
Published: 2018-06-03T18:30:00+00:00

17

"Are you shitting me? We're nuking our own city?" Jen's head throbbed.

"Not city," the colonel said. "Cities. Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks. The president has given the order to implement the protocol in"—he paused—"fourteen hours."

Mark put a hand to his forehead, his eyes focused on the floor. "That's until the nuke drops. How long do we have until the C-130 leaves?"

"Twelve hours. That's the best we can do. Protocol is to be out two hours prior to detonation."

"Screw your protocol," Jen said. "You're our only way out."

Everyone started talking at the same time. The colonel's voice barked from the speaker. "Enough!" They all went silent.

"Good," the colonel said. "We don't have time for this horseshit. It took a day and a half for you to get less than a third of the way here. You need to pick up the pace. We need Dr. Wilson and his data."

Mark clapped his hands together once. "He's right. We need to go."

"Check in with me," the colonel said. "As often as you can. Once you hit the base perimeter, I might be able to send a team in a vehicle to bring you in, but we can't help you any more than that."

"Yes, sir," Grant said. He pressed his lips together so tight they turned white. He's doing that hoo-rah stuff and gearing himself up.

"Good bye, Colonel," Doc said.

"Good luck," the colonel answered.

Doc hung up the phone and handed it back to Grant.

Jen put her hands on her hips. "We should check our weapons loads, grab some food and water, and get the hell on the road."

"Wait." Grant stepped up nose-to-nose with her. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'm in charge here."

Doc put an arm between the two. "We don't have time for this."

"I disagree, Doc," Mark said. "Better to waste a little time now than waste lives later." He nodded at Jen.

She drew herself up, her stomach fluttering. "I never was much good at following, and now that the shit's gotten real, my patience for it is gone. I know the city and I'm the best hope we have in getting to the plane in time. Besides, if I want military experience, I'll rely on Mark."

Grant's jaw dropped. "Him? The rent-a-cop?"

Mark glared at Grant. "I spent six years in the infantry with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bronze Star. I know how to survive."

"You're bullshitting," Grant said. When Mark didn't answer, he asked, "Aren't you?"

Jen patted Grant on the back. "Not a bit, but don't worry, the rear guard position's all yours."

"I agree that Jen should direct our movements from here on out," Doc said. "Are y'all done here, or do we need more discussion while the clock keeps ticking?"

Grant shook his head. Mark clasped him on the shoulder. "Look, we need you. We all have to work together or we die."

"Yeah, sure." Grant turned away, grabbed some beef jerky, and topped off his canteen with bottled water.

After they'd taken their supplies, Jen grasped the doorknob. "Mark takes lead. Then me, Doc, and Zeke.

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